YOUTHS have been spotted playing in a building site.

The former Mermaid Pub in Handforth is currently in the process of being demolished and turned into housing.

However, the local policing team says there has been reports of youngsters breaking into the site and swinging on scaffolding.

Speaking on Thursday evening (September 21), PCSO Gareth Harding said: “I've just been called to reports of a group of youths climbing into the building site of what was the Mermaid Pub on Delamere Road.

“If your child is currently ‘at the skate park’ please double check they're not actually 15ft in the air swinging off scaffolding!”

The Mermaid hotel and pub, on Delamere Road, sat empty since 2015 and according to neighbours started to attract squatters.

Former owners Red Oak Taverns submitted an application to Cheshire East Council to knock down it down and build seven houses.

This application was approved last July and the site was subsequently sold.

“The Mermaid Development” is now being marketed by Plumlife Homes, part of the Great Places Housing Group.

It will comprise of seven three-bedroom homes equipped with private gardens and parking spaces.

The Plumlife website states more information about the development will be available soon, with an expected handover from the builders next spring.

Helen Spencer, Great Places' executive director of growth, said: "Building work at The Mermaid Development on Delamere Road, to build seven homes for shared ownership, has been progressing well and is expected to be completed in Spring 2024.

"Safety and security at all of our development sites is of paramount importance to ensure colleagues, contractors and the public are safe while the houses are constructed. Building sites are not playgrounds, and they can be very dangerous. We would encourage local families to remind their children to stay away and not climb the protective hoarding which is there to deter entry."

Cheshire Police has been contacted for more information.